Delicious Meal Vouchers

Doing Business in Belgium (BusinessBelgium.be)

Written by Admin

02/12/2024

In this post, we we take a closer look at two of the most common vouchers offered to employees in Belgium.

Meal vouchers

Business Belgium - French fries, a typical Belgian dish, can be purchased with meal vouchers

French fries, a typical Belgian dish, can be purchased with vouchers

The meal vouchers (or luncheon vouchers) are undoubtedly one of the most widespread employee benefits in Belgium and the one employees appreciate best. Meal vouchers are advantageous for employers and employees alike. Also self employed persons can grant themselves these vouchers. They are governed by a strict legal framework:

  • the employer’s participation amounts to a maximum of € 6,91 and the employee’s contribution to a minimum of € 1,09
  • the maximum face value is € 8,00/day worked (approximately € 160,00/month)
  • 100 % exempt from social security charges
  • not taxable for the employee
  • the employer can deduct € 2,00 per voucher
  • they are valid for 1 year

Remark: These vouchers may not be cumulated with an expense allowance for the same meal for the same day.

 

Eco vouchers

Business Belgium - Eco voucherEco vouchers (sometimes called eco-cheques) are intended to support the green economy by promoting the purchase of environmentally friendly, eco-designed and/or sustainable products.

They are exempt from social security charges for the employer and also offer advantages for the employee. Eco vouchers are valid for two years and create real net purchasing power (maximum € 250/year) for the employee.

The vouchers can be used to make many daily purchases, ranging from organic foodstuffs to body care and hygiene products as well as low-energy electrical household goods and FSC or PEFC labelled wooden  or derived products.

Electronic format

Business Belgium - Edenred restaurantIn the past, vouchers were typically in the form of paper tickets.

Gradually they were replaced by electronic vouchers in the form of a special payment card.

Today they are exclusively issued in electronic format that is combining the value of meal vouchers, eco vouchers and other vouchers.

How to order

All vouchers are ordered by the employer or the employer’s payroll provider. We recommend to collaborate with Edenred, the specialist in prepaid services for Edenred Lunch and Edenred Eco.

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